By: Paula Polei Demand for hops has surged in recent years, due to the growth of hoppier craft beer styles, such as India Pale Ales. More recently, craft beer drinkers’ obsession with different brews has a lot to do with the wide range of incredible flavors and aromas derived from different kinds of hops. The earliest recorded use of wild...

By: Paula Polei Like many of my fellow craft beer drinkers, I’m excited about the Craft Brewers Conference in Philly next month. I’ve been to Philly once before, but embarking on the city with craft brewers – it doesn’t get much better than that! For our next Brewery Spotlight, I thought we’d pay homage to “The City of Brotherly Love”...

By: Paula Polei Beer has always had a place as a travel companion, whether it’s on a beach during vacation, relaxing while poolside, or sitting around a campfire. Craft beer drinkers sometimes trek hundreds of miles to visit their favorite breweries and attend their favorite beer festivals. With Spring Break just around the corner, it is only appropriate that BOB...

By: Paula Polei One thing I’ve learned about craft beer is the joy of sharing my passion with others by joining state Craft Beer Guilds. Through these valuable resources, you can explore craft beer in a whole new way and interact with those around you to share your love of craft beer. Benefits of Craft Beer Guilds Guild membership dues...

By: Paula Polei February, the month known for the most affectionate holiday – Valentine’s Day. If you are still looking for a unique gift to surprise that special someone, or a chocolate-flavored craft beer to enjoy during a quiet evening in, I’ve compiled a list of beer-inspired ideas especially for you this Valentine’s Day. If you’re single and don’t care...

By: Paula Polei Happy New Year! January marks the first official month of the year when everyone starts to change their way of thinking, living and, well, just plain being (for a few weeks, at least). Everyone has the drive to be better and do better with that first-of-the-year burst of energy we all get after the holidays. This year...

By: Paula Polei It’s that time of year when everyone gets that warm, fuzzy feeling about how thankful they are for those around them. Each year on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans gather for a day of feasting with family. This year, I asked Luciano Scremin, Owner/Brewmaster at Engine 15 Brewing Company, to share his traditions during the Thanksgiving...

By: Paula Polei Pumpkin beer is as quintessential to fall as festivals, candy corn, jack-o-lanterns and falling leaves. I have to admit, I love this time of year. Nothing excites me more than hoodies, football and scary movies. In past years, my typical fall consisted of getting dressed up in some ridiculously uncomfortable costume and drinking stale keg beer in...

By: Paula Polei More than 700 breweries. More than 3,500 different beers. Now that you’ve got tickets to the Great American Beer Festival, you need to figure out how you’re going to sample dozens of beers, crammed into a few, short days. For those of you attending for the first time, here are a few tips on how to tackle...

By: Paula Polei Today we toast to one of craft beers most iconic styles – the India Pale Ale! Founded in 2011, IPA Day is an opportunity for breweries, bloggers, businesses and consumers to unite to share their love of craft beer using social media as the common arena for conversation using the hashtag #IPAday. As the top-selling craft beer...